Left-Turn Accidents: Why Pedestrians Are So Often Hit in Georgia Intersections
Georgia Intersections Are Among the Most Dangerous Places For People On Foot
A crosswalk should be the safest place for a pedestrian. But for too many people in Georgia, it’s where the danger begins, especially when drivers are turning left. These crashes often happen in broad daylight, in marked crosswalks, and at busy intersections where pedestrians have the right of way. And when they do, the results are devastating.
At the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C., we’ve seen how a split-second decision by a negligent driver can forever change someone’s life. If you were hit while crossing the street, you’re not alone, and you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain. A Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer can explain your rights and fight to hold the driver accountable.
Here’s a closer look at why left-turn accidents are so dangerous for pedestrians and what you can do if you or a loved one was injured.
Why Left Turns Are So Dangerous for Pedestrians
Left turns require drivers to cross oncoming traffic, monitor multiple lanes, and look for gaps in traffic—all while trying to spot pedestrians in the crosswalk. That split-second judgment call leaves too much room for error, and it puts pedestrians directly in the path of moving vehicles.
Several factors contribute to the high risk:
- Driver Focus Is Split: A driver making a left turn has to assess vehicle traffic, judge speed and distance, and identify a safe window to turn. With so much to process, pedestrians often become an afterthought.
- Pedestrians Are in Blind Spots: In many vehicles, especially trucks and SUVs, the frame (A-pillar) of the windshield can block a driver's view of pedestrians stepping off the curb.
- Higher Speeds: Unlike right turns, which are usually slower and tighter, left turns are taken at a broader angle and often at higher speeds, making any collision more forceful and likely to cause serious injury.
- No Dedicated Turn Signal: In many Georgia intersections, there’s no protected left-turn arrow. Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, but many don’t. And when they misjudge the gap, pedestrians pay the price.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, pedestrian crashes at intersections often involve left-turning vehicles. In Georgia, that risk is amplified in metro areas like Atlanta, where fast traffic, multiple lanes, and inconsistent intersection design make safe crossings more difficult.
Where These Crashes Happen in Georgia
We’ve represented clients injured in pedestrian accidents throughout Georgia, and one pattern is clear: many of these incidents occur at busy intersections with heavy pedestrian traffic. Some areas where pedestrians are at risk include:
- Downtown Atlanta intersections like Peachtree Street and North Avenue, where left turns often occur on flashing yellows with little visibility.
- Suburban corridors with large, multi-lane intersections—such as in Gwinnett, Cobb, and DeKalb Counties—where drivers speed through yellow lights trying to beat oncoming traffic.
- School zones and college campuses, including areas near Georgia State University and the University of Georgia, where students frequently cross the street between classes.
- Retail and entertainment districts where distracted or impaired drivers are more likely to take risks when making left turns.
Some intersections may lack pedestrian-friendly features, such as leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs), raised crosswalks, or protected left-turn arrows, which have been proven to reduce crashes.
Who’s at Fault in a Left-Turn Pedestrian Accident?
Georgia law is clear: drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. But in the aftermath of a crash, that doesn’t stop insurance companies from blaming the victim.
Left-turn pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries that prevent the victim from speaking at the scene. The driver may tell police they “didn’t see anyone” or that the pedestrian “came out of nowhere,” creating a narrative that shifts fault. In reality, the pedestrian may have had the signal, the right of way, and clear visibility, but that may not be reflected in the initial crash report.
An experienced Georgia pedestrian accident attorney can investigate beyond the police report. We review:
- Traffic signal timing
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
- Eyewitness testimony
- Black box and telematics data
- Driver phone records
- Prior violations or crash history
In many cases, it turns out the driver was distracted, speeding, or simply failed to yield. And under Georgia law, that’s grounds for a personal injury claim.
How Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Law Applies
Even if the pedestrian was partially at fault—for example, if they were distracted while crossing or stepped into the intersection a second before the signal changed—Georgia’s comparative negligence rule still allows injured pedestrians to recover damages.
As long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can pursue compensation. Your percentage of fault may reduce your recovery, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
This is why it’s so important to speak with a lawyer right away. Insurance companies use comparative fault as a weapon to reduce payouts. But we know how to counter those tactics and build a case that reflects the full truth.
Common Injuries in Left-Turn Pedestrian Accidents
The injuries pedestrians suffer in these crashes are often severe, even at lower speeds. Without the protection of a vehicle, pedestrians take the full impact of the collision, followed by secondary injuries from hitting the pavement.
We’ve represented pedestrians who suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones and orthopedic trauma
- Pelvic and hip fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
These injuries don’t just require emergency care; they often lead to months or years of recovery, missed work, and emotional trauma. In some cases, the injuries are fatal.
Our job is to make sure the legal process supports your healing and doesn’t add to your burden. That means managing every aspect of your case while you focus on getting better.
How Intersection Design Contributes to the Problem
While driver negligence is the immediate cause of most pedestrian injuries, intersection design plays a major role in why these crashes keep happening.
Many Georgia roads were designed decades ago with only vehicle traffic in mind. Crosswalks were added later or not at all. Signals prioritize driver flow, not pedestrian safety. And key safety measures, such as pedestrian-only signals or LPIs, are still rare outside Atlanta’s downtown core.
Some improvements that could prevent left-turn crashes include:
- Protected left-turn signals (green arrows only when pedestrians are not crossing)
- Leading pedestrian intervals (giving pedestrians a head start before turning vehicles get a green light)
- Raised crosswalks or curb extensions to improve visibility
- No-turn-on-red restrictions at high-risk intersections
While these solutions are gaining attention, implementation has been slow, especially in suburban areas where pedestrian traffic is growing but infrastructure hasn’t caught up.
What to Do If You Were Hit in a Georgia Intersection
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian crash, here’s what matters most:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked out. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
- Don’t speak to the driver’s insurance company. They may try to get a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
- Document everything. Photos of the scene, your injuries, and contact information for any witnesses can make a difference in your case.
- Talk to a Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of recovering full compensation.
At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we know how to investigate these crashes, gather key evidence, and stand up to insurance companies. We’ve helped hundreds of Georgia families recover after devastating pedestrian injuries, and we’re ready to help you, too.
We Fight for Pedestrians Hit by Left-Turning Drivers
Pedestrians have every right to expect safety when crossing the street. If a driver failed to yield and caused you or your loved one serious harm, they should be held responsible.
We’ve handled cases just like yours across Georgia, from busy Atlanta intersections to smaller towns where safety still lags behind growth. Our team takes your case seriously because we know what’s at stake: your health, your future, and your family’s financial stability.
Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Click here for a printable PDF of this article, “Left-Turn Accidents: Why Pedestrians Are So Often Hit in Georgia Intersections.”